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WO2004066351A2 - Mounting for solar panels - Google Patents

Mounting for solar panels Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2004066351A2
WO2004066351A2 PCT/GB2004/000222 GB2004000222W WO2004066351A2 WO 2004066351 A2 WO2004066351 A2 WO 2004066351A2 GB 2004000222 W GB2004000222 W GB 2004000222W WO 2004066351 A2 WO2004066351 A2 WO 2004066351A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
mounting
frame
solar
panel
recess
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2004/000222
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2004066351A3 (en
Inventor
Mike David Duke
Loey Abdle Salam
Original Assignee
Solion Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Solion Limited filed Critical Solion Limited
Priority to EP20040703440 priority Critical patent/EP1597765B1/en
Priority to US10/542,995 priority patent/US20060196128A1/en
Publication of WO2004066351A2 publication Critical patent/WO2004066351A2/en
Publication of WO2004066351A3 publication Critical patent/WO2004066351A3/en
Priority to US12/350,339 priority patent/US20090266406A1/en
Priority to US12/802,094 priority patent/US9127863B2/en

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
    • H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
    • H02S20/20—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object
    • H02S20/22—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings
    • H02S20/23—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
    • H02S20/25—Roof tile elements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
    • F24S25/10—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules extending in directions away from a supporting surface
    • F24S25/16—Arrangement of interconnected standing structures; Standing structures having separate supporting portions for adjacent modules
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
    • F24S25/10—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules extending in directions away from a supporting surface
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
    • F24S25/10—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules extending in directions away from a supporting surface
    • F24S25/11—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules extending in directions away from a supporting surface using shaped bodies, e.g. concrete elements, foamed elements or moulded box-like elements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S40/00—Safety or protection arrangements of solar heat collectors; Preventing malfunction of solar heat collectors
    • F24S40/80—Accommodating differential expansion of solar collector elements
    • F24S40/85—Arrangements for protecting solar collectors against adverse weather conditions
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
    • H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
    • H02S20/20—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object
    • H02S20/22—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings
    • H02S20/23—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
    • H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
    • H02S20/20—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object
    • H02S20/22—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings
    • H02S20/23—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
    • H02S20/24—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures specially adapted for flat roofs
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
    • F24S25/60—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules
    • F24S2025/6007—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules by using form-fitting connection means, e.g. tongue and groove
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S80/00—Details, accessories or component parts of solar heat collectors not provided for in groups F24S10/00-F24S70/00
    • F24S2080/01—Selection of particular materials
    • F24S2080/015—Plastics
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H10—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10F—INORGANIC SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES SENSITIVE TO INFRARED RADIATION, LIGHT, ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION OF SHORTER WAVELENGTH OR CORPUSCULAR RADIATION
    • H10F19/00—Integrated devices, or assemblies of multiple devices, comprising at least one photovoltaic cell covered by group H10F10/00, e.g. photovoltaic modules
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
    • Y02B10/10—Photovoltaic [PV]
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
    • Y02B10/20—Solar thermal
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
    • Y02E10/47—Mountings or tracking
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a mounting for solar panels which can be used on roofs etc.
  • BIPN Building Integrated Photovoltaics
  • PN photovoltaic
  • US6570084 discloses PN assemblies which can be fixed to roofs.
  • the PN assemblies may be interengaged, such as by interengaging the bases of adjacent PN assemblies.
  • the base may include a main portion and a cover and the bases of adjacent PN assemblies may be interengaged by securing the covers of adjacent bases together.
  • the PN module may be an inclined PN module and the support assembly may be a multi-position support assembly which secures the PN module at shipping and inclined-use angles.
  • the interengaging of the modules is accomplished by securing the covers of adjacent bases together thus requiring the fitting of each module to the roof individually so that each module has to be resistant to forces such as wind forces acting on the module.
  • a mounting for solar panels which mounting comprises a frame having a recess for receiving solar panels, the frame having a front edge and a rear edge in which the front edge is narrower than the rear edge and the front edge of one frame is adapted to fit beneath and inside the rear edge of another frame and to be attached to the said other frame, the frame having side fixing means so that a plurality of frames can be attached to each other in a side-by- side arrangement and the frame sloping upwards from the front to the back.
  • Front, back, side and top refer to the frame when the frame is laid on a flat surface with the recess uppermost.
  • a solar panel or solar panels are placed in the recess in the frame so that sunlight can impinge on the solar panels.
  • a plurality of frames are com ected together with the front edge of one frame fitting within and connected to the rear edge of another frame and/or frames being connected side by side. In this way any size of area can be covered with solar panels.
  • the frame is made by vacuum forming of a plastics material e.g. a recycled plastic.
  • the angle of slope of the mounting is preferably 5 to 20 degrees e.g. about 10 degrees and can be achieved by having a wedge shaped side piece attached to each side or under the mounting so the mounting has a wedge shape.
  • the recess in the top of the mounting preferably is of a size to allow a standard solar panel module to fit into the recess and in one embodiment the top of the solar module is flush with the top surface of the mounting.
  • the recess Preferably there is space in the recess to accommodate the solar panel junction box on the underneath of the solar module containing solar panels, with holes for wiring from the junction box to inside the mounting.
  • the solar panel module can be fixed to the mounting with either rivets or self-tapping screws through the underside of the mounting.
  • the back of the mounting preferably has an opening and a lip so that the front thinner end of another mounting can be inserted into the opening and fixed in place e.g. by riveting or screwing in place.
  • each frame enables the mountings to be attached to each other.
  • These fixing means can be of a conventional type e.g. with the attachment means on one side being smaller than one the other side allowing them to be interlocked with the fixing means on adjacent mountings.
  • the fixing means are hollow so that the cables etc. from the solar modules can be fed into each mounting without being seen and out of touch.
  • the mountings can be attached to each other by any fixing means e.g. by riveting or screwing to each other.
  • any fixing means e.g. by riveting or screwing to each other.
  • the front end of the wedge shaped mounting preferably has a flange to allow a covering to be overlapped with the flange so that the front of the flange is firmly held to a surface. This gives final security in case of high winds and 'traps' the interlocked array.
  • the outer mountings of the assembled interlocked array have additional 'caps' riveted or screwed through the sides and back thick wedge end to cover the holes and provide a flange for the floor covering to overlap ensuring the array is 'trapped' on all sides, thus minimising possible lift of the array due to high winds.
  • each solar module in a mounting can be connected to other solar modules to enable the electricity generated to be led a way.
  • the connections can be in parallel and/or series to produce the optimum current and voltage.
  • the PN arrays When the modules are in position the PN arrays can be inserted into the modules and fixed in the normal way; alternatively the PN arrays can be inserted into the modules before the modules are positioned on the roof or other support structure. This also enables the PN arrays to be transported together with the support structures in compact and stackable configuration saving transport cost and site assembly time.
  • flush modules in the mounting give an integrated appearance; it is easy to install so eliminating time spent on building work, it is low cost and is fast to install without highly skilled labour, reducing labour cost and is easy to dissassemble and stack so repairs and roof maintenance can be carried out.
  • the interlocking of the mounting ensures the complete solar array is one assembled 'block' and edge covering and interlocking ensures safety in high winds.
  • At least some of the end modules can have extra fittings attaching them to the roof or support surface or adjacent structure; these extra fittings can be attached to a strong or integrated stracture, such as a joist or wall etc. so that the assembled structure is held as one unit by this extra fitting.
  • the mounting can easily be made from recycled plastics materials e.g. by vacuum forming.
  • an array can easily be mounted anywhere and is specifically designed for use with flat roofs; the modular arrangement enables shapes other than rectangular to be more nearly filled with solar panels.
  • the mounting will be orientated towards the south to maximize energy collection.
  • the light weight integrated nature of a structure is formed from a number of modules, thus making retrofit easier and reducing the cost for both retrofit and new construction.
  • the integrated nature of such a structure can reduce or eliminate the need for the use of roof membranes (or other support surface) penetrating fasteners; this helps to maintain the integrity of the membrane.
  • the assembly can serve as a protective layer over the roof membrane or support surface, shielding from temperature extremes and ultraviolet radiation.
  • an assembled structure of a number of modules can act as an insulator for a building increasing the thermal efficiency of the building.
  • Fig. 1 a shows a rear view of a mounting Fig. lb shows a plan view of a module
  • Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of the module of fig. 1
  • Fig. 3a shows the front fixing to a surface
  • Fig. 3b shows a side view
  • Fig. 4 shows a plan view of an assembled array
  • a mounting has a frame (1) with a recess into which a solar panel array (5) fits.
  • the mounting has a front edge flange (2) and a rear opening in edge (8).
  • the distance A is less than the distance B and there are fixing holes for rivets or screws at (6) and (7) and side interlocking fixings (4a) and (4b).
  • the rear edge (8) is in the form of an opening so that the front flange (2) of another mounting can fit into the opening and the mountings held together by rivets or screws passing through (6) and (7).
  • the front flange (2) is positioned under a mat (15) which is attached to a roof surface (12) to hold the front flange (2) firmly in place and to prevent entry of water and to prevent wind lifting the edge.
  • a PN or solar module (5) which fits into the recess (9).
  • the cables (11) pass out through side fixing (4a).
  • To assemble the array shown in fig. 4 a number of modules are interlocked with the front edge flange (2) of one mounting fitting into the rear opening of another mounting as shown in detail in fig. 3b.
  • the side fixings (4a) and (4b) are interconnected to lock the mountings together to form a continuous interlocked module.
  • the cables of the solar panels are comiected together in the appropriate way and the whole array assembled for use.
  • a structure is formed on a roof which can cover the roof.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Photovoltaic Devices (AREA)
  • Roof Covering Using Slabs Or Stiff Sheets (AREA)

Abstract

A mounting for solar panels which mounting comprises a frame (1) having a recess for receiving at least one solar panel (5), the frame (1) having a front edge (2) and a rear edge (8) in which the front edge is narrower than the rear edge (8) and the front edge (2) of one frame (1) is adapted to fit beneath and inside the rear edge (8) of another frame (1) and to be attached to the said other frame (1), the frame (1) having side fixing means (4a, 4b) so that a plurality of frames (1) can be attached to each other in a side-by-side arrangement and the frame (1) sloping upwards from the front to the back.

Description

Mounting
The present invention relates to a mounting for solar panels which can be used on roofs etc.
Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPN) is a rapidly growing industry worldwide (about 25% growth annually). BIPN involves solar modules mounted on buildings and the DC electricity generated fed to the national grid through DC/ AC inverters.
Many existing systems require structural changes to the roof or penetration of the roof which can lead to leaks and can be difficult to install involving building work.
It is known to mount photovoltaic (PN) modules in mountings for attachment to roofs. US6570084 discloses PN assemblies which can be fixed to roofs. The PN assemblies may be interengaged, such as by interengaging the bases of adjacent PN assemblies. The base may include a main portion and a cover and the bases of adjacent PN assemblies may be interengaged by securing the covers of adjacent bases together. The PN module may be an inclined PN module and the support assembly may be a multi-position support assembly which secures the PN module at shipping and inclined-use angles. However such a structure is difficult to assemble in use on a roof and, although systems are disclosed to reduce the effect of wind on the1 modules, when they are assembled they are subjected to unacceptable forces and rain, etc. can penetrate between the modules. The interengaging of the modules is accomplished by securing the covers of adjacent bases together thus requiring the fitting of each module to the roof individually so that each module has to be resistant to forces such as wind forces acting on the module.
We have now devised a modular mounting for solar panels which can be interengaged with other mountings which overcomes these difficulties and which by assembling modules together can form an integrated solar array of any size. According to the invention there is provided a mounting for solar panels which mounting comprises a frame having a recess for receiving solar panels, the frame having a front edge and a rear edge in which the front edge is narrower than the rear edge and the front edge of one frame is adapted to fit beneath and inside the rear edge of another frame and to be attached to the said other frame, the frame having side fixing means so that a plurality of frames can be attached to each other in a side-by- side arrangement and the frame sloping upwards from the front to the back.
Front, back, side and top refer to the frame when the frame is laid on a flat surface with the recess uppermost.
In use a solar panel or solar panels are placed in the recess in the frame so that sunlight can impinge on the solar panels. To cover a larger area a plurality of frames are com ected together with the front edge of one frame fitting within and connected to the rear edge of another frame and/or frames being connected side by side. In this way any size of area can be covered with solar panels.
Preferably the frame is made by vacuum forming of a plastics material e.g. a recycled plastic.
The angle of slope of the mounting is preferably 5 to 20 degrees e.g. about 10 degrees and can be achieved by having a wedge shaped side piece attached to each side or under the mounting so the mounting has a wedge shape.
The recess in the top of the mounting preferably is of a size to allow a standard solar panel module to fit into the recess and in one embodiment the top of the solar module is flush with the top surface of the mounting.
In another embodiment there is a gap between the top of the solar panel module and the top of the recess and in order to allow for pressure equalisation e.g. reduced pressure on the upper surface caused by wind passing over the surface, there can be recesses, slots or holes on the upper face of the recess above the solar panel module connecting through the module. These recesses, slots or holes help with ventilation which can reduce the PN cells temperature and hence increase the cells efficiency.
Preferably there is space in the recess to accommodate the solar panel junction box on the underneath of the solar module containing solar panels, with holes for wiring from the junction box to inside the mounting.
The solar panel module can be fixed to the mounting with either rivets or self-tapping screws through the underside of the mounting.
The back of the mounting preferably has an opening and a lip so that the front thinner end of another mounting can be inserted into the opening and fixed in place e.g. by riveting or screwing in place.
This can be done with a number of mountings so that a row of interlocked mountings can be assembled. The design and size of the ends preferably minimises the shading effect of the back end on the solar panel in the next mounting module in the line.
The side fixing means of each frame enables the mountings to be attached to each other. These fixing means can be of a conventional type e.g. with the attachment means on one side being smaller than one the other side allowing them to be interlocked with the fixing means on adjacent mountings. Preferably the fixing means are hollow so that the cables etc. from the solar modules can be fed into each mounting without being seen and out of touch.
The mountings can be attached to each other by any fixing means e.g. by riveting or screwing to each other. By attaching mountings to each other in columns and rows a completely interlocked solar array can be assembled of any size and there could be many hundreds of interlocked mountings making a complete installation.
In order to allow more secure fixing the front end of the wedge shaped mounting preferably has a flange to allow a covering to be overlapped with the flange so that the front of the flange is firmly held to a surface. This gives final security in case of high winds and 'traps' the interlocked array.
In an array preferably the outer mountings of the assembled interlocked array have additional 'caps' riveted or screwed through the sides and back thick wedge end to cover the holes and provide a flange for the floor covering to overlap ensuring the array is 'trapped' on all sides, thus minimising possible lift of the array due to high winds. There are preferably drainage channels on the base flange of the mounting to allow water to flow from under the mounting.
In use the wires from each solar module in a mounting can be connected to other solar modules to enable the electricity generated to be led a way. The connections can be in parallel and/or series to produce the optimum current and voltage.
When the modules are in position the PN arrays can be inserted into the modules and fixed in the normal way; alternatively the PN arrays can be inserted into the modules before the modules are positioned on the roof or other support structure. This also enables the PN arrays to be transported together with the support structures in compact and stackable configuration saving transport cost and site assembly time.
It is a feature of the mounting of the present invention that flush modules in the mounting give an integrated appearance; it is easy to install so eliminating time spent on building work, it is low cost and is fast to install without highly skilled labour, reducing labour cost and is easy to dissassemble and stack so repairs and roof maintenance can be carried out. When assembled the interlocking of the mounting ensures the complete solar array is one assembled 'block' and edge covering and interlocking ensures safety in high winds.
For increased security e.g. against wind etc. at least some of the end modules can have extra fittings attaching them to the roof or support surface or adjacent structure; these extra fittings can be attached to a strong or integrated stracture, such as a joist or wall etc. so that the assembled structure is held as one unit by this extra fitting.
The mounting can easily be made from recycled plastics materials e.g. by vacuum forming.
As well as being mounted on roofs an array can easily be mounted anywhere and is specifically designed for use with flat roofs; the modular arrangement enables shapes other than rectangular to be more nearly filled with solar panels.
For the northern hemisphere the mounting will be orientated towards the south to maximize energy collection.
The light weight integrated nature of a structure is formed from a number of modules, thus making retrofit easier and reducing the cost for both retrofit and new construction. The integrated nature of such a structure can reduce or eliminate the need for the use of roof membranes (or other support surface) penetrating fasteners; this helps to maintain the integrity of the membrane.
When designed properly, the assembly can serve as a protective layer over the roof membrane or support surface, shielding from temperature extremes and ultraviolet radiation.
As well as providing power an assembled structure of a number of modules can act as an insulator for a building increasing the thermal efficiency of the building. In order to transport a number of the modules they can be stacked with alternate orientations to provide a compact regular stack of modules.
The invention is illustrated in the drawings in which: -
Fig. 1 a shows a rear view of a mounting Fig. lb shows a plan view of a module Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of the module of fig. 1 Fig. 3a shows the front fixing to a surface Fig, 3b shows a side view Fig. 4 shows a plan view of an assembled array
Referring to figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings, a mounting has a frame (1) with a recess into which a solar panel array (5) fits. The mounting has a front edge flange (2) and a rear opening in edge (8). The distance A is less than the distance B and there are fixing holes for rivets or screws at (6) and (7) and side interlocking fixings (4a) and (4b). As can be seen in fig. la, the rear edge (8) is in the form of an opening so that the front flange (2) of another mounting can fit into the opening and the mountings held together by rivets or screws passing through (6) and (7).
Referring to fig. 3 a the front flange (2) is positioned under a mat (15) which is attached to a roof surface (12) to hold the front flange (2) firmly in place and to prevent entry of water and to prevent wind lifting the edge.
Referring to fig. 3b there is a PN or solar module (5) which fits into the recess (9). The cables (11) pass out through side fixing (4a). There are pressure equalisation holes (9a) so that pressure above and below the assembled frame are equalised. These holes also increase the ventilation and help reduce the PN cell temperature and increase their efficiency. To assemble the array shown in fig. 4 a number of modules are interlocked with the front edge flange (2) of one mounting fitting into the rear opening of another mounting as shown in detail in fig. 3b. The side fixings (4a) and (4b) are interconnected to lock the mountings together to form a continuous interlocked module. The cables of the solar panels are comiected together in the appropriate way and the whole array assembled for use. A structure is formed on a roof which can cover the roof.

Claims

Claims
1. A mounting for solar panels which mounting comprises a frame having a recess for receiving at least one solar panel, the frame having a front edge and a rear edge in which the front edge is narrower than the rear edge and the front edge of one frame is adapted to fit beneath and inside the rear edge of another frame and to be attached to the said other frame, the frame having side fixing means so that a plurality of frames can be attached to each other in a side-by-side arrangement and the frame sloping upwards from the front to the back.
2. A mounting as claimed in claim 1 in which the frame is made by vacuum forming of a plastics material.
3. A mounting as claimed in claim 1 or 2 in which the angle of slope of the mounting is 5 to 20 degrees.
4. A mounting as claimed in claim 1 or 2 in which the angle of slope of the mounting is about 10 degrees.
5. A mounting as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the recess in the top of the mounting is of a size to allow a standard solar panel or PN panel module to fit into the recess.
6. A mounting as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which there is an aperture in the upper surface of the frame to enable pressure above and below the frame to be equalised.
7. A mounting as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which there is space in the recess to accommodate the solar panel junction box on the underneath of the solar mounting containing solar panels, with holes for wiring from the junction box to inside the mounting.
8. A mounting as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the back of the mounting has an opening and a lip so that the front thinner end of another mounting can be inserted into the opening and fixed in place.
9. A mounting as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which there are drainage channels on the base of the mounting to allow water to flow from under the mounting.
10. A mounting as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the front end of the frame has a flange to allow a covering to be overlapped with the flange so that the front of the flange is firmly held to a surface.
11. A mounting as claimed in claim 10 in which there are drainage channels on the base flange to allow water to flow from under the mounting.
12. A solar module which comprises a mounting as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which there is a solar panel or PN panel in the recess.
13. A solar module as claimed in claim 12 in which the solar panel or PN panel is fixed to the mounting with either rivets or self-tapping screws through the underside of the mounting.
14. A solar module as claimed in claim 12 or 13 in which the top of the solar panel or PN panel is flush with the top surface of the mounting.
15. A solar array comprising a plurality of mountings as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14 in which mountings are connected together.
6. A structure which comprises a support surface on which is mounted a solar array s claimed in any one of claims 12 to 15.
PCT/GB2004/000222 2003-01-21 2004-01-20 Mounting for solar panels WO2004066351A2 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP20040703440 EP1597765B1 (en) 2003-01-21 2004-01-20 Mounting for solar panels
US10/542,995 US20060196128A1 (en) 2003-01-21 2004-01-20 Mounting for solar panels
US12/350,339 US20090266406A1 (en) 2003-01-21 2009-01-08 Mounting for solar panels
US12/802,094 US9127863B2 (en) 2003-01-21 2010-05-27 Mounting for solar panels

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0301280A GB2397645B (en) 2003-01-21 2003-01-21 Mounting for Solar Panels
GB0301280.4 2003-01-21

Related Child Applications (2)

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US10/542,995 A-371-Of-International US20060196128A1 (en) 2003-01-21 2004-01-20 Mounting for solar panels
US12/350,339 Continuation US20090266406A1 (en) 2003-01-21 2009-01-08 Mounting for solar panels

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WO2004066351A2 true WO2004066351A2 (en) 2004-08-05
WO2004066351A3 WO2004066351A3 (en) 2004-09-23

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EP (2) EP2302693A3 (en)
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WO (1) WO2004066351A2 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2302693A2 (en) 2011-03-30
EP1597765B1 (en) 2013-04-17
WO2004066351A3 (en) 2004-09-23
EP2302693A3 (en) 2011-07-06
US20060196128A1 (en) 2006-09-07
US20110083381A1 (en) 2011-04-14
EP1597765A2 (en) 2005-11-23
US20090266406A1 (en) 2009-10-29
GB2397645A (en) 2004-07-28
GB0301280D0 (en) 2003-02-19
GB2397645B (en) 2006-08-30
US9127863B2 (en) 2015-09-08

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